State-led National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) will soon operate the grid systems in Palawan, Mindoro, Catanduanes and Marinduque.
According to the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040, preparatory works for the development of a business plan for the islands of Palawan, Mindoro, Catanduanes and Marinduque, which involves organizational, operational, legal, financial, and regulatory aspects, are underway.
“The launch of the full operations for the island controls centers and the National Control Center for Island SO [system operator] is targeted in August 2022,” it said.
In February last year, the Department of Energy (DOE) has designated TransCo as operator of off-grid power systems with more than one power supplier. This is meant to support and implement the policies set under the DOE issued “Omnibus Guidelines on Enhancing Off-Grid Power Development and Operation.”
Off-grid areas are not connected to the national transmission system. The DOE said TransCo will take over the eligible off-grid systems that procure power from National Power Corp.’s small utilities group and distribution utilities.
For off-grid areas with only one power supplier, the distribution utility shall continue to perform its mandate as off-grid SO.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) had already instructed electric cooperatives (ECs) serving the off-grid areas to ensure the smooth transition of their system operator functions to TransCo.
The NEA, which supervises 121 ECs nationwide, is responsible for providing technical assistance, financial and management support to enhance the operations of the electric distribution system in the off-grid area.
TransCo continues to conduct regular inspection of transmission facilities and projects to ensure quality, reliable, affordable and secured supply of electricity across the country. Sourcing of funds for the feed-in-tariff eligible renewable energy (RE) developers will be continuously pursued including the timely filing of FiT-All application, it added.
TransCo is also working on a high-speed internet project, dubbed Project AirGig, which aims to deliver internet service along TransCo’s transmission lines without the use of cables, satellites, and fibers.
It turned over the management and operation of its nationwide transmission system to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines after it secured a franchise to operate the transmission network. However, TransCo still owns all the transmission assets.
